Victor Ammons was born in North Carolina, but has lived primarily in New Jersey since the age of five. He spent his high school and college vacation times working in a small, family owned electrical contracting firm. Vic married his high school sweetheart after sophomore year at North Carolina state University, from which both graduated with honors two years later. After four years in the army, during which time their first child was born in Germany, Vic and Anne alternated getting MBA degrees. They now have three married children and five grandchildren.

After a number of years of running the family contracting business while his father’s health declined, Vic trained and turned the business over to his brother-in-law. Vic then returned to the engineering field in which he had trained. Vic is a registered Professional Engineer in New Jersey and has served in an engineering management role for several engineering and architectural/engineering firms. He is now a senior electrical engineer for Jacobs in Morristown, New Jersey.

Vic and Anne now reside in west central New Jersey in an area with a few dozen families among over a thousand acres of woodlands. Yes, there are still woodlands in New Jersey; we haven’t gotten around to paving them all yet. Vic and Anne, who will celebrate their 45th anniversary in 2014, are avid square and round dancers, and are active in several clubs. Vic is also a woodworker and an amateur beekeeper. Both are active in several capacities in their church.

Steve Arne has worked as an electrician, electrical contractor, and electrical instructor for 40 years. Nineteen years of his career were spent as a teacher and department head in post-secondary education. Since Steve retired from Western Dakota Tech in 2003, he has provided industry-direct training specializing in continuing education Electrical Code classes and Electrician Exam Preparation classes for Journeyman and Master's level exams.

In 2012, Steve and Deb's son Ryan returned to Rapid City South Dakota to help Steve expand his training business at AETech Electrical Training Center to include a 640 hour full-time pre-employment Apprentice Electrician Training Program. Steve is currently a Board Member of the SD Electrical Commission and serves on the State and Local Chapter Boards of the SD Electrical Council.

Steve worked with Mike Holt as a technical editor and video team participant beginning in 2002, and uses Mike’s books in his classes. He is very thankful to have been associated with an industry leader like Mike who has a real heart to help others and provides excellent training products to help students in the electrical industry.

Steve and his wife Deb live in Rapid City, South Dakota where they’re both active in their church and community, and love to spend time with their children and grandchildren. The highest priority for both of them is putting God first in both their home and business.

Dennis Carlson has been in the electrical trade for over 30 years, and has held the positions of Project Superintendent, Field Engineer, Start-up-Coordinator, General Foreman, Foreman, Journeyman, and Craft Training Manager. He’s certified with NCCER as a Master Trainer, and is a professor for Victoria University, Australia as a Master Trainer. In April 2013, he graduated from Salem International University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Dennis is a Master Electrician/Contractor licensed in several states, and a member of NFPA and IAEI. He’s trained thousands of electricians in the last 20 years using Mike Holt’s material and has been working with Mike for the last 13 years on his Exam Prep courses.

Dennis and his wife, Cindy, live in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where they’re both active in enjoying God’s great outdoors, their church, and the community. They have two children, Brandy, a graphics arts designer who lives in Greeley Colorado, and Josh who is an electrical estimator in Denver Colorado. “Life is too short to do only one thing so you have to prepare yourself for the next challenge. Never stop learning and striving to achieve those goals that you have.”

John Paul David is responsible for training all Staley, Inc. employees on the industry’s safety policies and standards. Additionally, he’s the in-house instructor for Staley’s BICSI certified training center which is utilized company-wide by technicians. John also oversees the maintenance of facilities at the headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas.

John is a Master Electrician in multiple jurisdictions and is a certified trainer and Level 3 BICSI Technician in design, integration, installation, and infrastructure in the telecommunications industry. BICSI is a professional association that provides technical education, information, and knowledge assessment for the information and communications technology (ICT) community.

John began his career with Staley, Inc. as an Electrical Apprentice. After completing a four-year BAT Electrical Apprenticeship program, he went on to earn his Journeyman and Master licenses as well as his BICSI certifications. He resides in Little Rock with his wife. Together, they have a beautiful daughter, age 8, and son, age 5. John is an active member of his church where he works with the children’s group in a leadership position.

Dr. Joe Engel

Dr. Joe Engel was born and raised in Cincinnati. He earned a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. As a co-op student, Joe first worked as an ac motor designer for Allis Chalmers and later as a home electronic organ designer for Baldwin Piano. He moved to Pittsburgh where he earned a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh.

For 30 years Joe worked for Westinghouse and, most recently, 15 years for Eaton Cutler-Hammer as the manager of an electronics R&D group. This group focuses on electrical metering, control, and protection products for the residential, commercial, industrial and utility markets. Awards include the Westinghouse Order of Merit (Westinghouse’s highest honor) and an Inventor of the Year award; He has 94 U.S. Patents.

Joe has been married to his wife Mary for 46 years. They have raised eight children and have seven grandchildren. Joe loves to travel, usually with his children, and most recently back-packed the Grand Canyon. Golf and bowling are his hobbies.

Mike Holt

Mike Holt worked his way up through the electrical trade. He began as an apprentice electrician and became one of the most recognized experts in the world as it relates to electrical power installations. He has worked as a journeyman electrician, master electrician, and electrical contractor. Mike’s experience in the real world gives him a unique understanding of how the NEC relates to electrical installations from a practical standpoint. You’ll find his writing style to be direct, nontechnical, and useful.

Did you know that he didn’t finish high school? So if you struggled in high school or if you didn’t finish it at all, don’t let this get you down, you’re in good company. As a matter of fact, Mike Culbreath, Master Electrician, who produces the finest electrical graphics in the his- tory of the electrical industry, didn’t finish high school either. So two high school dropouts produced the text and graphics in this textbook! However, realizing success depends on one’s continuing pursuit of education. Mike immediately attained his GED (as did Mike Culbreath) and ultimately attended the University of Miami’s Graduate School for a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA).

Mike Holt resides in Central Florida, is the father of seven children, and has many outside interests and activities. He’s a six-time National Barefoot Water-Ski Champion (1988, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008), has set many national records, has competed in three World Championships (2006, 2008, and 2010) and continues to train and work out year-round so that he can qualify to ski in the 2012 World Barefoot Championships at the age of 61!

What sets him apart from some, is his commitment to living a balanced lifestyle; placing God first, family, career, then self.

Bob Huddleston

Bob Huddleston is a licensed Professional Engineer. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, and is currently employed by Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, Tennessee where he is responsible for the electrical safety program. Bob has served a number of roles in the electrical industry, including an engineering supervisor, maintenance supervisor, plant engineer, and an instructor of electrical and electronic theory for the U.S. Navy at the Naval Nuclear Power School.

Before completing his degrees, Bob served an 8,000 hour electrician apprenticeship at a Tennessee Valley Authority nuclear plant, and worked for approximately nine years as a construction electrician. He was recognized as the Electrical Apprentice of the Year during this time. Bob serves as an adjunct faculty member at a local technical community college, and is the Chairman of the Electrical Curriculum Advisory Council. He is an instructor for an accredited apprenticeship program, and also represents the American Chemistry Council on Panel 6 as a principle voting member.

Ryan Jackson is a combination inspector in the Salt Lake City, Utah, area who began his career as a carpenter while in high school. He began doing electrical work when he was 18 and, at the age of 23, Ryan landed his first job as an electrical inspector and subsequently became certified in building, plumbing, and mechanical inspection (commercial and residential), as well as building and electrical plan review. Two years after becoming an inspector, he was approached by a friend in the area asking him to fill in at an electrical seminar for him. After his first class Ryan was hooked, and is now a highly sought after seminar instructor. He has taught in several states, and loves helping people increase their understanding of the Code.

In 2005, Ryan met Mike Holt in Salt Lake City, and they became friends immediately. He helped Mike with his Understanding the NEC, Volume 2 videos and began editing his books as well. He believes that there are only a small handful of opportunities that change a person’s life and career, and meeting Mike was one of them.

When Ryan isn’t working, he can often be found in his garage turning wood on his lathe, or in the kitchen where he enjoys wine making. Ryan married his high school sweetheart, Sharie, and they have two beautiful children together: Kaitlynn and Aaron.

James E. Jones, Jr.

Electrical Instructor Oklahoma State University Okmulgee, Oklahoma

James E. Jones Jr. is an Instructor at Oklahoma State University. He teaches High Voltage Lineman and Electrical Construction courses at the OSU technical campus in Okmulgee, OK. James has been in the electrical construction/maintenance industry since 1979 when he joined the U.S. Air Force right after graduating from high school.

During his 21-year Air Force career James worked as a high voltage lineman, electrical instructor, and electrician. Going to school at night and on weekends, he received a Baccalaureate of Science Degree, with Honors, in Occupational Education, with specialization in Corporate Training Development, Electrical Power Systems, and Computer Business Information Systems. James is a licensed Master Electrician/Contractor and teaches several electrical, computer, and NEC courses. He previously served as the Director of Education & Training/Instructor for Mills Electrical Contractors in Dallas, TX.

James is on the Electrical Advisory Board for several electrical training programs throughout the state of Oklahoma. “Opportunity is waiting for whoever is ready to take advantage of it.”

John Mills is an instructor for Mike Holt Enterprises, Inc. and is a Certified Electrical Contractor, Certified Inspector, Plan Reviewer, and CBO. John started in the electrical trade in 1980 as a helper and attended an ABC Apprenticeship Program, then worked his way up to Master Electrician. John has been an instructor for 20 years, teaching master and journeyman exam preparation courses and Florida State certification courses.

John resides in Miami, Florida with his wife Corina and their four sons. John’s hobbies are working with wood and metal. He makes wooden bowls and furniture from trees that have been cut down. He enjoys making things for his children as well as fishing, family picnics, and vacations with his family.

Ronald Nelson

Certified Engineering Technician

Ron was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, he was fascinated by the “miracle” of electricity from an early age. A hydro-electric plant was located nearby where Ron could see water being converted into electrical power. He began his electrical engineering career in 1965 which included design for a power supply ranging from 120V through 69,000V; plus, street lighting design for Owensboro, Kentucky’s municipal utility. After 21 years in engineering, he accepted a new position at Warren Rural Electric Cooperative in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Ron became the Technical Adviser to the agricultural, commercial and industrial customers for power quality issues and solutions. He retired in 2002 after serving the Cooperative as Vice President for 10 years.

Ron continues to provide technical services (including proper grounding/bonding), and training to the utility, electricians, vocational schools, and customers in the region.

Mike Pillarella holds a Master’s Degree in Education, a BA in Industrial Arts, and an AA in Electric and Electronics Engineering Technology. He became a Certified Electrical Related & Shop Instructor in the Massachusetts School system. In 1988, Mike established Electrical Contractors, Inc. (EMI) which provides electrical maintenance and installation services in the New England South Shore area.

In 2007, Mike established the proprietary Pillarella School of Electrical Code & Theory. While serving as an electrical inspector, he became increasingly aware of the areas in which more education was needed and structured his curriculum accordingly. His proudest moment as an instructor was when his son, Tim, earned his Master’s license—the first attendee of the school to do so. Mike holds master licenses in MA, RI, NH, VT and ME, and is an approved CEU provider and OSHA Outreach Construction instructor in these states. He’s President of the Massachusetts Electrical Contractors Association, Bristol Chapter, and President and Education Chairman of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, Roger Williams Chapter.

Mike served for several years as an instructor for the MA Firefighters’ Academy teaching Electrical Safety, Fire, and Arson Investigation. He served his community for 17 years as a firefighter, EMT, and finished as Fire Chief.

Mike is extremely proud of his wife, Valerie, and their three children, Amy, Michael and Tim.

Brian Spaziani

Allentown, PA

Brian Spaziani worked his way up through the ranks of the electrical field from apprentice to journeyman while employed by his father’s company, Spaziani Electric (then Mark A. Spaziani Jr., Electrical Contractor).

Brian served in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician working on shipboard communications equipment. After the Navy, he obtained his Master’s license. He worked for several large contractors on projects up to a billion dollars. Brian began developing training programs for his workers, where he discoverd he enjoyed teaching more than anything. In 2004, Brian started an electrician’s program at a post-secondary school in Philadelphia. His program trained 300 students a year with awards for retention of 99 percent. After almost six years, Brian opened his own school, Advance Electrical Training in Allentown, mainly providing license test preparation services. As a consultant, Brian revised Mike Holt’s apprenticeship curriculum into a fully customizable program that can meet any electrical training need.

Brian is now the Director of Program Development at Mike Holt Enterprises where he assists schools and instructors with development, implementation, and operation of new and revised programs. Brian and his wife Shannon live in Allentown, PA. They have been married for 12 years and have four children; Brian II, Andrew, Anthony, and Emily. They are very involved with their children’s school and sports activities, which keeps their days action packed year round.

George Stolz began his electrical career by tinkering around with machines in the Production Department of the Fort Collins Coloradoan. He began his apprenticeship in 2002 and developed a keen interest in the Code shortly after joining the trade. George currently serves as a construction foreman for Gregory Electric in Loveland, Colorado. His work experience includes single- and multi-family dwellings, hospitals, schools, grocery stores, aircraft hangars, office buildings, maintenance, estimating, and project management.

George is a moderator on Mike Holt’s Internet Code Forum, which he asserts is the best place to go for technical discussion on the web. He teaches classes at the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter and enjoys a symbiotic relationship with the NFPA. He gleefully provides them with proposals to the NEC every cycle; the Code-Making Panels derive equal joy in rejecting them.

George lives near Pierce, Colorado with his wife Shana and their two boys. Their hobbies include camping, target shooting, bicycling, and trying to predict what the kids will get into next!

Eric worked with his tools, as a journeyman electrician, before and during the time he attended college. When he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1982, he took a job as an electronic technician. Eric became a licensed fire alarm installation superintendent and spent the next seven years installing and maintaining life safety systems in high-rise buildings.

In 1989, he went to work for Dow Chemical, where he designed power distribution systems for world-class industrial facilities. Eric began teaching National Electrical Code classes to engineers in 1997. He received his professional engineering license, for the State of Texas, in 2003 and, in 2005, started Stromberg Engineering.

In 2013, Eric retired from Dow Chemical and now lives in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. Eric’s oldest daughter, Ainsley, lives in Boston Massachusetts with her husband Nathan. His son, Austin, is in the Air Force and is stationed at Minot, North Dakota. His youngest daughter, Brieanna, is a singer/songwriter who lives in Austin Texas.

James Thomas

Master Electrician/Electrical Instructor James Sprunt Community College Kenansville, North Carolina

James Thomas has been working in the electrical field since 1985 and is licensed in the State of North Carolina. He has worked in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical jobs. James has been an instructor teaching electrical and electronic courses (including the National Electrical Code) full time at James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville, NC for over 16 years and has taught thousands of individuals. He has taught at Pitt Community College in Greenville NC; Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC; and Sampson Community College in Clinton, NC.

James earned a diploma in Electrical Installation and Maintenance; a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Mount Olive College in Mount Olive, NC; and a Master’s degree in Industrial Technology from East Carolina University in Greenville NC. James also served in the Air Force Reserve in Goldsboro NC for over 22 years.

Kevin Vogel graduated from Santa Clara University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. A licensed Professional Engineer since 1969, he worked as Chief Engineer for a division of Square D Company that manufactured electric heaters and thermoplastic outlet boxes. He also was employed as an electrician and holds a Master Electrician’s license.

In 1978, Kevin co-founded an electrical wholesale distribution business that was acquired in 1991 by Crescent Electric Supply Company. Kevin continues to work in that part of the industry, and is a certified instructor for National Electrical Code classes in the states of Idaho and Washington. He also serves as a consultant to Trindera Engineering, an electrical engineering firm located in Coeur d’Alene.

Kevin and his beloved wife Linda have been married since 1966, and have been blessed with 13 wonderful children and 20 (so far) grandchildren. Kevin is extremely grateful to God for all of the gifts He has bestowed on him and his loved ones